went through the archives! trying to learn the best method for fleshing with the mini flesher. some say to salt for 12 hours, others say to salt for two days then flesh. my question is won't the salt dull the blade faster if the salt stays on the hide? do we need to remove the salt? how do we do this, just shake? thanks for the help.
Return to Beginners Category Menu
Assuming you are using a tanning method that involves a pickling step, I have found it easier to flesh after a day or two in the pickle solution. The fibers plump up making the hide thicker. I have tried to flesh with the mini-flesher after 24hrs. of salting,found that the hide is too dry and you are more apt to make a hole due to wrinkles. Just make sure your guard is adjusted not too deep and pay attention to the angle of your wrist. This is the only flesher I have right now, but am looking forward to getting the Quebec Lite. It's all a learning experience until one day you realize you finally got it.
I have a mini flesher and love it, I use cream tan from Rineharts and have had no problems. First you do your main fleshing with a knife while the hide is salted, then wash the cape and let drain for a while. After a hour or so tap dry the cape then place the cream tan on as specified. let set 4 hrs with hide folded in ( hair out) and place plastic on top so not to dry out, then take the mini-flesher and complete the fleshing. I use the skife on the face.